Worth What?

The low interest rates got my attention. A simple calculation confirmed my assumption - by moving from a 30-year to a 15-year fixed loan, and adding a few more dollars to our monthly payment, we could save twelve years worth of payments. Now that's my kind of savings!

The catch? With the downward spiral of the housing market, our home/property value may not appraise for what it had years ago. Why is that such a big deal? We don't want to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). Wikipedia defines PMI, "This type of insurance is usually only required if the downpayment is less than 20% of the sales price or appraised value (in other words, if the loan-to-value ratio (LTV)is 80% or more)." Translation? We'd have to add more money to an already increased monthly payment to cover PMI. Would re-financing be worth it?

With everything riding on the appraisal, I cleaned the house, while making mental notes of all the home improvements we've done over the last few years. The appraiser was friendly and very thorough in her documentations. Our appraisal will arrive within a few days. Time to settle in and wait.

A foreclosure in our neighborhood caused home values to be skewed. Funny to think that just a few years ago, our home was appraised tens of thousands of dollars higher than we expect it will be today. Although we've continued to make upgrades and home improvements, our home has not continued to go up in value.

It's encouraging to know that my value as a human being is not at the mercy of a fluctuating economy. The Psalmist, David, offers reassuring words, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well," (Psalm 139:14; KJV). The Lord's love for me, His creation, is evident in the first book of the Bible, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them," (Genesis 1:26a, 27). And he was very pleased with His creation!

Sometimes I'm tempted to find my value in what others think of me. Never a wise move. Just like the fluctuating economy, others opinion of me may change based on what I do or don't do. God loves me unconditionally. His Word tells me so, "But God commendeth (showed) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," (Romans 5:8; word in italics mine).

As I give the Holy Spirit access to all the areas of my life, I don't have to face rejection - I've got God's Word on it, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ," (Philippians 1:6). Wow! What a wonderful truth to bask in today. In the big scheme of things, it really doesn't matter what my home is worth. It's enough to know that I'm of immense value to the One who created me.

How do you measure your self-worth? Will you agree with Your Creator, that you are fearfully and wonderfully made?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your great love for me. Help me not to look to others for my value. I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made and that You love me. Help me to live like the person of value You've made me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Love Letters

February. A month devoted to love.

When I was in grade school, I remember clutching the wrapped shoebox under my arm as I rode the bus to school. It was carefully decorated and would serve as a mailbox during the class Valentine's party. I secretly hoped I would receive a card from a special someone. Among the many cards I got that day, I saved that one, and read it over and over again.

To this day, I still save cards. The ones from my husband are especially precious. His love for me is evident in the sweet words he pens. The same is true of the love letter written to me by my Heavenly Father. The Bible contains countless verses testifying to the unconditional love of my Savior. Among my favorites, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," (John 3:16; KJV). A familiar verse, no doubt. But read it carefully. Because God loved, what did He do? He gave.

True love is about giving. Not a very popular concept in today's world, where love is easily confused with lust.  Two four-letter words with very different meanings. Lust involves getting. Love involves giving. Giving without expecting anything in return. It is characterized as patient, kind, and trusting. Love is absent of jealousy, pride, and resentment (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Consider the love of a King. The King of the universe who loved His creation so much that He left His throne in heaven to become a lowly man. He lived a sinless life, then willingly died on a cross, shedding His blood to pay the sin debt of all mankind. What an amazing love!

God continues to offer His gift of love to anyone who will receive it. Simply realize you are a sinner, understand that Christ paid your sin debt, and accept Him as your Savior. Are you willing to receive His gift of love? Once you have, spend time getting to know Him. The Bible is one love letter you'll never tire of reading!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your unconditional love. Help me to love without expecting anything in return. Thank You for the Bible, Your love letter to me. As I read and study Your Word, help me to become more like You. In Jesus' name, Amen.